Jordan, Saudi Arabia launch business network to deepen private sector ties 

The initiative was unveiled in Riyadh during a high-level economic gathering attended by senior executives, investors and business leaders. X/@PetranewsEN
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Updated 22 January 2026
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Jordan, Saudi Arabia launch business network to deepen private sector ties 

JEDDAH: Jordan and Saudi Arabia have launched a new business network aimed at accelerating private-sector partnerships and boosting trade and investment flows between the two countries. 

The initiative was unveiled in Riyadh during a high-level economic gathering attended by senior executives, investors and business leaders.

The Jordan–Saudi Business Network was launched by the Amman Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Jordanian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Jordan News Agency, known as Petra, reported. 

The next phase will involve the formation of specialized sectoral committees, regular business forums and structured follow-up of joint initiatives, in coordination with public and private stakeholders in both countries. 

Saudi Arabia is Jordan’s largest Arab trading partner and its third-largest trading partner globally. Bilateral trade exceeds $5 billion, while cumulative investments between the two countries have surpassed $24 billion as of 2024. 

Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq, chairman of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, said the network marks a shift from traditional economic engagement to a more structured, data-driven, and results-oriented model of cooperation, the agency added. 

“He noted that the platform is intended to serve as a permanent institutional link between Jordanian and Saudi businesses, enabling direct engagement, faster deal-making, and informed investment decisions,” Petra reported. 

Al-Hajj Tawfiq stated that the network will give companies access to reliable information on regulations, incentives, and investment opportunities, facilitate the entry of Jordanian products and services into the Saudi market, and support integration across regional supply chains. 

He noted that the initiative responds to market demand in Saudi Arabia while leveraging Jordan’s competitive strengths, particularly in the food industry, construction, professional services, information technology, tourism, transport, and logistics. 

The network’s operating model includes sectoral committees, a digital matchmaking platform, periodic business meetings, an annual forum and a dedicated business bulletin, with the aim of translating commercial opportunities into executable projects rather than symbolic cooperation. 

Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abu Al-Foul, described the launch as a timely and strategic step toward institutionalizing economic engagement and expanding trade and investment cooperation. 

The diplomat highlighted the strength of bilateral relations and praised the contributions of Jordanian professionals in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their expertise and prominent role across key economic sectors. 

Mohammad Tahboub, secretary of the ACC board, said the network will serve as a flexible platform providing sector-specific data, investor matchmaking, and structured collaboration, helping companies integrate into value chains and turn business ideas into viable projects. 

The launch follows the Saudi–Jordanian Business Forum held a day earlier at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh, which brought together around 200 companies and investors. 


Saudi Fund for Development, Omani Ministry of Finance sign MoU to establish industrial city

Updated 02 February 2026
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Saudi Fund for Development, Omani Ministry of Finance sign MoU to establish industrial city

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, and the Omani Minister of Finance, Sultan bin Salem Al-Habsi, signed a development memorandum of understanding to support the establishment of the Thumrait Industrial City Project in Oman.

The project is funded by Saudi Arabia through the SFD with $40 million.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Oman, Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, and several officials from both sides.

The MoU aims to develop the industrial, logistical, developmental, and social sectors in the Dhofar Governorate through the establishment of the integrated Thumrait Industrial City, covering an area of ​​approximately 3.94 million sq. meters.

The city will be equipped with all necessary infrastructure services. The project includes the construction and equipping of administrative and service buildings as well as public facilities. It also includes road works and electrical installations, as well as water networks and the construction of two wastewater treatment plants.

Engineering consultancy services will also be provided, reflecting the expected developmental impact in enhancing the industrial and service sectors in the governorate.

The CEO of the SFD affirmed that this MoU reflects the Kingdom’s efforts, through the fund, to support development sectors in Oman and strengthen the close development partnership between the two sides.

This will be achieved through the implementation of high-quality projects that contribute to developing infrastructure and creating an integrated and stimulating environment for industrial and logistical activities, which will positively impact the empowerment of the private sector and enhance economic as well as social development.

For his part, the Omani Minister of Finance emphasized that the signing of this agreement stems from a desire to strengthen developmental, economic, and investment relations and encourage partnerships across various sectors between the two countries.

At a time when the world is getting fragmented due to geopolitical tensions and ongoing wars, Saudi Arabia’s development fund is becoming a beacon of hope, as it continues to provide soft loans and grants for emerging economies.

Established in 1974 and commencing operations in 1975, the Saudi Fund for Development has financed more than 800 development projects in over 100 countries, with a cumulative value exceeding $21 billion.

SFD’s financing spans across multiple sectors, including health, education, and transport, as well as water and energy, with the aim of improving living conditions, enhancing capacity building, and creating job opportunities for millions of people in emerging nations.